1. Table of Duties
Civil Government and Citizens
Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them
about their duties and responsibilities
Memorization Verses:
Rom 13:1-4 Let every person be subject to the you have no fear of the one who is in authority?
governing authorities. For there is no authority Then do what is good, and you will receive his
except from God, and those that exist have been approval, for he is God's servant for your good.
instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear
authorities resists what God has appointed, and the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an
those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers avenger who carries out God's wrath on the

2. LSB 965 To God above the skies;
http://www.lutheran- On Him we wait.
hymnal.com/online/tlh-577.mid Thou who art ever nigh,
(My Country Tis of Thee) Guarding with watchful eye,
To Thee aloud we cry:
1 God bless our native land; God save the state!
Firm may she ever stand
Through storm and night.
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our country save
By Thy great might.
2 So shall our prayers arise

3.  America, the Beautiful Who more than self their country loved,
 O beautiful for spacious skies, And mercy more than life.
For amber waves of grain, America! America! May God thy gold
For purple mountain majesties refine
Above the fruited plain. Till all success be nobleness,
America! America! God shed His grace on And ev'ry grain divine.
thee,  O Beautiful for patriot dream
And crown thy good with brotherhood that sees beyond the years.
From sea to shining sea. Thine alabaster cities gleam,
 O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Undimmed by human tears.
Whose stern impassion'd stress America! America! God shed his grace on
A thoroughfare for freedom beat thee,
Across the wilderness. And crown thy good with brotherhood,
America! America! God men thine ev'ry From sea to shining sea.
flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
 O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,

4. What would it be like to be a Christian….
In various In various
times… places…

5. Open Prayer for our government and that of
PRAYER other nations:
• Civil Suggested verses: Psalm 72.
Government
• Taxes
• Debts, respect,
honor
• Praying for
authority
• Submission
P raise
R epentance
A ppreciation
Y ou
E veryone
R esolve

6.  National Anthem: v3
 Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall
stand
Between their loved homes and the
war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the
heav'n rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and
preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our
cause it is just,
And this be our motto, "In God is our
trust"
And the Star-Spangled Banner in
triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home
of the brave!

7. Over the past several centuries, people have
mistakenly linked democracy and political freedom to
Christianity. That’s why many contemporary
evangelicals believe the American Revolution was
completely justified, both politically and scripturally.
They follow the arguments of the Declaration of
Independence, which declares that life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness are divinely endowed rights.
Therefore those believers say such rights are part of a
Christian worldview, worth attaining and defending at
all cost including military insurrection at times. But
such a position is contrary to the clear teachings and
commands of Romans 13:1-7. So the United States
was actually born out of a violation of New Testament
principles, and any blessings God has bestowed on
America have come in spite of that disobedience by
the Founding Fathers

8. There are those who would insist that, if the government
forced them to participate in an unjust war, they would have
the right to rebel against the government. Revolution,
however, is not an option for the Christian. The government
is still God’s established authority. We can work within the
framework of the established laws of the land to bring about
change, but resorting to a violent confrontation with the
government is not acceptable before God. Two wrongs do
not make a right. If the government is wrong and we are
mistreated for refusing to participate, the Lord will take the
proper action in his own time and in his own way.

9.  Today I believe that I am acting in
accordance with the will of the
Almighty Creator: by defending
myself against the Jew, I am fighting
for the work of the Lord.

10. 1. Slaves
2. Nomadic subsistence tribes
3. Theocratic, Monarchical City-State
4. Judged exiles under evil Empire
5. Province under Imperial control
6. Two kingdoms separate, early Christian socialism
7. Christian Roman Empire
8. Christian Feudal Monarchies
9. Christian City-States based on economy
10. Reformation City-States based on faith practice
11. Colonial provinces with plural Christian identities
12. Colonial grievances due to taxation without representation
13. State and Federal Governments united with formal
separation of powers and church/state with successful
constitution and bill of rights

11. God’s Kingdom
Kingdom of the Left Kingdom of the Right
1. Civil Government 1. Church government
2. Christians Only (visible/invisible)
2. Christians and non-Christians
3. Proclaiming Gospel peace
3. Wars based on defense 4. Christian equality, service of the sick
4. Reward good, punish evil The Christian and poor
1. Citizen of the State
2. Congregant of the Church
3. Owes allegiance to both
4. Recognizes God’s
Kingdom above both

12. 1. Properly Declared:
1. It must be a declared war and waged by a legitimate authority. Whatever channels
the nation has defined for making decisions of this sort must be observed.
2. Just Cause:
1. The cause must be just. This is usually understood to mean that the nation must defend itself against attack, preserving an
order that serves its citizens and preserving the lives innocent citizens.
3. Right Attitude:
1. There must be a right intention or attitude. This was particularly important to Augustine, who believed a Christian should
not enter into war with a spirit of hatred or vindictiveness.
4. Last Resort:
1. It must be the last resort. Every peaceful means of resolving international problems must be vigorously pursued.
5. Hope of Success:
1. There must be reasonable hope of success. It is irresponsible to go to war if there is no realistic prospect of a nation’s
successfully defending itself.
6. Better than not:
1. The good likely to be achieved by victory must outweigh the possible evil effects. This is the norm of proportionality.
Even if a nation believes its prospects for winning the war are good, the cost in terms of loss of life and massive
destruction may not warrant the conflict.
7. Right Means:
1. The right means must be employed in the conduct of the war. This is the norm of discrimination. A nation is responsible
for avoiding acts that show a wanton disregard for life. This means that there are legitimate and illegitimate military
targets. The distinction between combatants and noncombatants must be observed, and prisoners of war must be treated
humanely

13.  Lutheran Theology is unique amongst
Christian traditions (particularly
American traditions in the following):
1. Strong understanding/awareness of
global Christian community
2. Progenitor of Separation of Church and
State as a formal principle (two
kingdom theology)
3. Understanding of the depth of sin and
man’s depravity all realms of authority.
4. Cohesive theology overrules political
pragmatism
5. Christ’s grace removes ethical dilemmas
towards Christian liberty

14.  I discovered later, and I'm still
discovering right up to this
moment, that is it only by living
completely in this world that one
learns to have faith. By this-
worldliness I mean living
unreservedly in life's duties,
problems, successes and failures.
In so doing we throw ourselves
completely into the arms of God,
taking seriously, not our own
sufferings, but those of God in the
world. That, I think, is faith

15.  Take my advice dear lords.
Stay out of war unless you
have to defend and protect
yourselves and your office
compels you to fight. Then let
war come.
Be men, and test your
armor!

16.  Justin, Sues:  Mark, Neil:
1. What does scripture say about taxation?
1. How should Christians view
2. Why do Christians pay their taxes?
3. How is taxation like tithing, and how is it
injurious governments?
different? 2. What steps should Christians take
 Maurice, Susan: to oppose government where
1. Is the armed forces a Christian vocation necessary?
according to scripture? 3. Should Christians ever participate
2. What is the conduct of a Christian soldier? in protest, revolt, civil war, etc.?
3. What obligation do Christian soldiers have
to the state, to God?  Reed, Hedder:
 Karol, Kim: 1. How do Christians live as both a
1. What is appropriate government prayer citizen of the world and a
according to scripture? congregant of Christ’s church?
2. How might one pray for an “evil”
2. What is the purpose of living in
government?
3. How should prayer in the public space be
two kingdoms?
appropriated by Christians? 3. What is our responsibility in the
world?

17.  • Civil Government
 • Taxes
 • Debts, respect, honor
 • Praying for authority
 • Submission
 •______________________________
 SS Civil Government
 M Taxes
 T Debts, respect, honor
 W Praying for authority Say Mean Matter
 Th Submission
Key phrases Own words Answer the
questions/
Personal
application

18.  According to the apostle Paul, carries out God's wrath on the
Christians should honor legitimate wrongdoer.
government as an authority  •
established by God, to reward and
 Pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You
punish justly. Rom 13:1-4 Let every
for having given us freedom through
person be subject to the governing
Your Son to live as citizens of Your
authorities. For there is no authority
kingdom. We pray that by the gift of
except from God, and those that exist
Your Spirit we may also live
have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore
honorably and prudently with all men
whoever resists the authorities resists
as citizens of the state. Keep us from
what God has appointed, and those who
becoming indiscreet, from acting
resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers
rashly, from neglecting the rights of
are not a terror to good conduct, but to
others, from willful disobedience and
bad. Would you have no fear of the one
the neglect of just laws, and from all
who is in authority? Then do what is
manner of mischief that is harmful to
good, and you will receive his approval,
the community. By Your grace enable
4 for he is God's servant for your good.
us to overcome all temptation and do
But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he
what is pleasing to You by faith in our
does not bear the sword in vain. For he is
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
the servant of God, an avenger who

19.  Justin, Sues:
1. What does scripture say about taxation?
2. Why do Christians pay their taxes?
3. How is taxation like tithing, and how is
it different?

20.  The Lord calls us to pay our taxes,
pray for our government, and obey
our nation's laws. Matthew 22:21
They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to
them, “Therefore render to Caesar the
things that are Caesar's, and to God the
things that are God's.”
 •

21.  Maurice, Susan:
1. Is the armed forces a Christian vocation
according to scripture?
2. What is the conduct of a Christian soldier?
3. What obligation do Christian soldiers have
to the state, to God?

22.  Romans 13:5-7 Therefore one must be
in subjection, not only to avoid God's
wrath but also for the sake of
conscience. 6 For because of this you
also pay taxes, for the authorities are
ministers of God, attending to this very
thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to
them: taxes to whom taxes are owed,
revenue to whom revenue is owed,
respect to whom respect is owed, honor
to whom honor is owed.
 •

23.  Karol, Kim:
1. What is appropriate government prayer
according to scripture?
2. How might one pray for an “evil”
government?
3. How should prayer in the public space be
appropriated by Christians?

24.  1 Timothy 2:1-3 First of all, then, I urge
that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and thanksgivings be made for all
people, 2 for kings and all who are in
high positions, that we may lead a
peaceful and quiet life, godly and
dignified in every way. 3 This is good,
and it is pleasing in the sight of God our
Savior.
 •

25.  Mark, Neil:
1. How should Christians view injurious
governments?
2. What steps should Christians take to oppose
government where necessary?
3. Should Christians ever participate in protest,
revolt, civil war, etc.?

26.  Titus 3:1 Remind them to be submissive
to rulers and authorities, to be obedient,
to be ready for every good work,
1 Peter 2:13-14 Be subject for the Lord's
sake to every human institution, whether
it be to the emperor as supreme, or to
governors as sent by him to punish those
who do evil and to praise those who do
good.
 •
 Pray: O Lord, make the priests and
kings peaceful; that in one church
priests may pray for their kings, and
kings spare those round about them;
and may the peace which is within You
become ours, Lord, the One who is
within and without all things! Amen.
(Ephrem of Syria, c. 306-73)

27.  Reed, Hedder:
1. How do Christians live as both a citizen of
the world and a congregant of Christ’s
church?
2. What is the purpose of living in two
kingdoms?
3. What is our responsibility in the world?

28.  God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from
above.
From the mountains, to the prairies ,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home."

30.  Husbands, Wives,
Parents, Children
Daily Prayers--1 Prayer: Blessings and Thanks
Table of Duties--6 Bishops, Pastors, Preachers, Hearers
Civil Government and Citizens
Husbands, Wives, Parents, Children
Workers, Employers, and Supervisors
Youth and Widows / Everyone & Two Kingdoms
Fruits of the Spirit--9Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-Control
Spiritual Gifts--9 Administration, Leadership, and
http://archive.elca.or Pastoring
g/ Artistry, Skilled Craft, Writing
evangelizingchurch/ Music, Praise, and Worship
print/spiritgifts.html Evangelism & Teaching
Faith, Exhortation, and Discernment
Giving, Hospitality, Stewardship, Charity
Mercy, Service, and Intercession
Wisdom & Knowledge